Cast
View AllCrew
Director
- Luis Carvalho
Writer
- Luis Carvalho
Producer
- Gary Andre
- Rob Hauschild
- Luis Carvalho
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Drama/Horror/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Jonah Lives presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Luis Carvalho brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2015, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Jonah Lives took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $3.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 94 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 139 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The film contains approximately 2034 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 60 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2015, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Jonah Lives shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Pet Sematary, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Jonah Lives subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Ghost Train and The Exorcist explore similar territory, Jonah Lives stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 18, 2015
- Runtime: 1h 34m
- Budget: $3,000,000